The bad weather is hitting the Var with unprecedented violence, plunging the region into chaos and uncertainty. After recording rainfall accumulations of up to 190 mm in just a few hours, the department is now placed on orange alert due to the risks of devastating floods. This alarming situation, exacerbated by a new cévenol episode, is severely affecting already battered localities like Vidauban, where residents’ accounts highlight a striking reality: submerged roads and flooded homes. The urgency for increased vigilance is pressing as the weather forecast predicts more heavy showers in the coming days.
This Friday morning, Var was struck by a new environmental disaster as devastating floods have already appeared, caused by a Mediterranean rain episode. Météo France has recorded impressive rainfall accumulations reaching up to 190 mm. An orange alert has been declared, raising fears of a worsening situation, particularly after record floods that occurred the previous week.
Alarming rainfall accumulations
The situation in Var is concerning. Indeed, Météo France has observed localized rainfall varying between 180 and 190 mm in certain areas of the municipality. In Vidauban, residents sadly note that the equivalent of a month’s worth of rain has fallen in a single day. Mégane, a baker in the town, reports that traffic has become perilous with completely submerged roads, forcing motorists to drive slowly.
Rivers in full fury
The river Argens, which flows through the area, perfectly illustrates the current crisis. Its level, which was at 2.30 meters, soared to 8 meters by 6:30 this morning. This alarming phenomenon underscores the need to remain vigilant regarding the watercourse, whose behavior can prove incredibly unpredictable during bad weather.
An uncertain future
The weather forecasts offer a mix of hope and concern. While calm periods are anticipated, heavy showers could occur at any moment, increasing the current level of vigilance. Météo France predicts that this tumultuous period could extend until Saturday, heightening the need for close monitoring. The duration of this weather episode, along with the significant intensity of the rainfall, requires constant attention from all concerned parties.
A situation exacerbated by the repetition of events
Barely a week after historic floods, Var is once again facing devastating bad weather. The repetition of these phenomena highlights vulnerabilities that affect not only infrastructure but also lives. The territories of the south and interior of this department remain particularly exposed to an increased risk of flooding as long as climatic conditions remain unstable.
Call for caution
The communes in the region must remain on maximum alert, taking all necessary precautions to minimize risks. The impact on residents and infrastructure could be devastating. Meanwhile, preparations should be made for potential evacuations and organizing emergency relief for those who may need it in the face of this capricious nature.
As Var navigates through this trial, solidarity and vigilance are more essential than ever to weather the storm that seems to want to settle in. The consequences of these floods are not only limited to water invading homes but also affect the entire social and economic fabric of the region.
- Alert status: Orange alert declared for Var due to heavy rain.
- Rainfall: 190 mm recorded in just a few hours, with totals potentially reaching 250 to 300 mm.
- Affected areas: Vidauban and other localities in the region are the most affected by the flooding.
- Rivers in flood: The Argens soared, rising from 2.30 meters to 8 meters in just a few hours.
- Immediate dangers: Risks of overflow, particularly for areas near rivers.
- Testimonials: Residents describe completely flooded roads, limiting traffic.
- Monitoring necessary: Météo France warns of a possible worsening due to localized storms.
- Economic impact: Businesses, such as bakeries, are suffering significant damage.
